‘Hannibal’ Casts ‘The X-Files’ Gillian Anderson As Dr. Lecter’s…

NBC hasn't given much beyond a few rounds of photographs when it comes to upcoming drama 'Hannibal,' a modern re-imagining of the relationship between the infamous Dr. Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen) and FBI Agent Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) but it may have just given us its best gift yet. Former 'The X-Files' star Gillian Anderson will make her first return to broadcast TV in a decade, appearing in 'Hannibal' as an original character with a unique relationship to its title character. Find out Gillian Anderson's role inside!

If there's one person we'd think could be capable of outwitting the devious Dr. Hannibal Lecter, it would be Dana Scully. Entertainment Weekly reveals today that former 'X-Files' star Gillian ANderson has joined NBC's forthcoming Bryan Fuller-helmed 'Hannibal,' appearing in a multi-episode arc as Hannibal Lecter's own therapist!

“Every therapist needs their own head examined and we are ecstatic that Gillian Anderson has chosen Hannibal to mark her return to American television after 10 years to portray Dr. Lecter’s personal psychiatrist,” says show-runner Bryan Fuller in a statement. “Her intelligence and sophistication, not to mention her pedigree of ground-breaking TV, make her the perfect actress to match wits and psychological manipulations with one of the greatest villains of pop culture. I couldn’t be more excited.”

In addition to Laurence Fishburne’s Jack Crawford and wife Gina Torres playing Crawford’s wife, Bryan Fuller’s ‘Hannibal’ features ‘SNL‘ alum Molly Shannon, ‘Pushing Daisies’ vet Ellen Greene, ‘Wonderfalls’ stars Chelan Simmons, Lara Jean Chorostecki as a female interpretation of ‘Red Dragon’ character Freddy Lounds and Raul Esparza as Dr. Frederick Chilton. Set in the early days of Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) and Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen)’s partnership, Fuller’s envisioned series is said to be “a love story” told across at least seven seasons.

NBC has yet to set an official premiere date, though 'Hannibal' is expected to premiere in spring 2013.

Well, what say you? Does Gillian Anderson's casting send your excitement for 'Hannibal' into a blood frenzy? Will you watch the new series?